The 8 Goalkeepers with the Most Clean Sheets in the 21st Century

Goalkeepers are often the unsung heroes of football, playing a crucial role in their teams’ success. Unlike outfield players, they tend to have longer careers, sometimes playing well into their 40s. This longevity gives them the opportunity to set remarkable records, particularly in the number of clean sheets kept.

Using data from Transfermarkt, we take a deep dive into the eight goalkeepers who have recorded the most clean sheets in the 21st century. These legends of the game have showcased resilience, skill, and consistency at the highest level of football.

8. Hugo Lloris – 334 Clean Sheets*

French shot-stopper Hugo Lloris has built a remarkable career across clubs like Nice, Lyon, and Tottenham. During his 447-game tenure with Spurs, he kept 151 clean sheets, adding to the 67 he recorded with Lyon and 30 with Nice.

Since joining LAFC, Lloris has added another 23 clean sheets in 55 appearances, proving his longevity in the game. Internationally, he has 63 clean sheets in 145 caps for France, including three crucial shutouts in their victorious 2018 World Cup campaign.

7. Pepe Reina – 371 Clean Sheets*

Pepe Reina has been a model of consistency across multiple clubs. Though often in the shadow of Iker Casillas at the international level, Reina still managed 21 clean sheets in 36 appearances for Spain.

At club level, he reached 50+ clean sheets at Liverpool, Villarreal, and Napoli, with additional stints at Barcelona, Lazio, AC Milan, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, and Como. Still active, Reina is nearing the twilight of his career, but his impact on goalkeeping remains undeniable.

6. Igor Akinfeev – 376 Clean Sheets*

A one-club legend, Igor Akinfeev has spent his entire career at CSKA Moscow, making 788 appearances. His contributions have led to six Russian league titles and a UEFA Cup victory.

Akinfeev has kept 328 clean sheets for CSKA Moscow and another 48 for the Russian national team, bringing his total to 376. With a year left on his contract, he has a chance to climb further in these rankings.

5. Manuel Neuer – 393 Clean Sheets*

Manuel Neuer revolutionized goalkeeping with his sweeper-keeper style. Starting at Schalke, he kept 80 clean sheets before securing a move to Bayern Munich, where he has recorded 262 shutouts.

Additionally, Neuer has 51 clean sheets for Germany, playing a key role in their 2014 World Cup triumph. Despite recent injury setbacks, he remains a key figure at Bayern and is expected to add to his tally before retiring.

4. Petr Čech – 399 Clean Sheets*

One of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history, Petr Čech won 15 major trophies with Chelsea, including multiple league titles and a Champions League crown.

Čech kept 228 clean sheets in 494 Chelsea appearances, setting a record with just 13 goals conceded in a season. His move to Arsenal added another 54 shutouts in 107 matches. Internationally, he managed 57 clean sheets for the Czech Republic, bringing his career total to 399.

3. Edwin van der Sar – 439 Clean Sheets*

A key figure in Manchester United’s dominance of the 2000s, Edwin van der Sar won 11 trophies at Old Trafford. He set a Premier League record by going 14 consecutive matches without conceding.

His clean sheet tally stands at 135 for United, 139 for Ajax, 52 for Fulham, and 41 for Juventus. With an additional 72 shutouts for the Netherlands, Van der Sar’s total reaches an impressive 439.

2. Iker Casillas – 440 Clean Sheets*

Iker Casillas is one of the most decorated goalkeepers in football history, winning the World Cup, European Championships, and Champions League titles.

During Spain’s golden era, he registered five clean sheets at the 2010 World Cup and four at Euro 2012, helping secure both titles. His 102 international shutouts remain unmatched. At the club level, he managed 338 clean sheets, bringing his career total to 440.

1. Gianluigi Buffon – 506 Clean Sheets*

At the top of the list is the legendary Gianluigi Buffon, whose career spanned over two decades.

Buffon kept 77 clean sheets in 176 international appearances for Italy, playing a crucial role in their 2006 World Cup triumph. At club level, he recorded 322 clean sheets with Juventus and an additional 107 across spells at Parma and PSG.

With a grand total of 506 shutouts, Buffon holds the record for the most clean sheets in football history. His longevity, leadership, and consistency make him one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Final Thoughts

These legendary goalkeepers have defined eras with their incredible shot-stopping abilities, tactical awareness, and leadership. While some have retired, others continue to add to their impressive records, leaving an enduring legacy in football history. As the game evolves, new stars will emerge, but these goalkeeping icons will always be remembered for their contributions between the posts.